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New York… what can you even say? It’s this crazy, beautiful, infuriating, magical place that chews you up and spits you out, but you still wouldn't trade it for anything. Living here as a single woman is like living in the main character of a movie that’s a mix of a romantic comedy, a drama, and an action film, all at once. The energy is just electric. You walk out your door and anything feels possible. You could run into a celebrity, discover your new favorite coffee shop, or get yelled at by a cab driver, all before 9 AM. It’s a city of ambition, and that’s infectious. Everyone is hustling, dreaming, and striving, which is incredibly motivating.

Now, dating here is a whole other beast. It’s often called a “numbers game” because there are millions of people, but that also means millions of options, which can lead to a serious case of "paradox of choice." Men can feel like they have a never-ending candy store, so you learn to be discerning and develop a pretty thick skin. You go on dates with guys who are artists, bankers, chefs, and guys who are "in-between things." It’s a wild ride, but it teaches you exactly what you want and what you won’t put up with. You learn to be fiercely independent and build an amazing life for yourself, so that anyone who comes into it is just a bonus.

Where to Actually Meet Men

Forget what you see in the movies. The chances of a charming stranger stopping you in the middle of a crosswalk are slim to none—everyone’s too busy trying not to get hit by a bike messenger. You have to be a little more strategic and intentional.

• Go Where the Hobbies Are: This is my number one rule. The apps are exhausting. The best way to meet someone genuine is to do what you love. Join a co-ed sports league like Volo Sports for kickball in Central Park or volleyball at Pier 6. Or, if you’re a runner, join a run club. Many of the running stores, like Brooklyn Running Company, have free group runs that are super social. You’re meeting people with a shared passion, and the conversation flows naturally.

• Hotel Bars and Upscale Lounges: If you want to meet a grown-up, go where grown-ups hang out. The bars in nice hotels in areas like Midtown or the West Village are full of professionals, both local and visiting, who are open to a good conversation. Think of places like The Campbell in Grand Central or the lobby bar at The Ludlow Hotel. It’s a sophisticated, low-pressure environment where you can actually hear each other talk.

• The Neighborhood Spots: Every neighborhood has its "third place." That coffee shop where everyone is working on their laptop, or that wine bar with a great happy hour. Become a regular. In the West Village, a place like Via Carota has a great bar scene while you wait for a table. In Williamsburg, a spot like Radegast Hall & Biergarten has communal tables that make it easy to strike up a conversation. It's about finding your local and becoming part of the fabric of the neighborhood.

• Volunteer or Take a Class: Want to meet someone with a good heart and a curious mind? Volunteer for a cause you care about, like New York Cares, or take a class. A cooking class at the Institute of Culinary Education or a pottery class in Brooklyn puts you in a room with people who are there to learn and connect. It’s a great way to meet someone outside of the typical bar scene.

My New York: The Landmarks That Matter

Of course, there’s the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, but when you live here, you find your own landmarks—the places that feel like your New York.

• The High Line: This is a classic for a reason. It’s a beautiful, elevated park built on old railway tracks on the west side of Manhattan. I love going on a weekday morning before it gets too crowded. You can walk from Hudson Yards down to the Meatpacking District, surrounded by beautiful landscaping and incredible city views. It's a perfect spot for a long walk and a deep conversation.

• The Met Cloisters: This is my secret escape. It’s part of The Met, but it's all the way up in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. It’s a museum dedicated to medieval European art and architecture, and it feels like you’ve been transported to a French monastery. The gardens are beautiful, and it’s so peaceful. It’s the perfect place to go when the city feels like too much.

• A Walk Through the West Village: I will never get tired of wandering the streets of the West Village. The charming brownstones, the tree-lined cobblestone streets, the little boutiques and cafes—it’s just quintessential New York. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely weekend stroll, and you always discover something new.

• The Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise: This might sound cheesy, but trust me. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun comes up over the city is a truly magical experience. The city is quiet, the light is beautiful, and you get this incredible view of the Manhattan skyline. It reminds you, in the best way possible, just how amazing this city is. It’s a moment of pure awe that makes all the craziness worth it.

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